The 2026 Cheltenham Festival, held from March 10-13 at Prestbury Park in Gloucestershire, England, is the pinnacle of National Hunt jumps racing, attracting around 250,000 spectators and generating significant economic impact. The four-day event features seven races daily, including iconic contests like the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle, Ryanair Chase, and the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup. Coverage is available live on ITV1, ITVX, and Racing TV, with ESPN providing continuous updates. Notable storylines this year include the absence of star horses Constitution Hill and Galopin des Champs, while favorites like Gaelic Warrior, The Jukebox Man, and defending champion Inothewayurthinkin vie for top honors. The festival also highlights the ongoing rivalry between British and Irish trainers, with the Prestbury Cup favoring the Irish in recent years.

Cheltenham’s rich history is marked by legendary horses such as Arkle, Dawn Run, Istabraq, Best Mate, Kauto Star, Quevega, Tiger Roll, Honeysuckle, and Galopin des Champs, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Unique features of the festival include the flat Champion Bumper race and the cross-country handicap chase, alongside traditional hurdle and steeplechase events. The festival is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, including a strong Guinness presence and fashion highlights like Ladies Day fascinators. With a mix of thrilling races, compelling narratives, and historic prestige, the Cheltenham Festival remains the ultimate celebration of jumps racing.